Susan Hughes Takes Charge of Johnson Controls in Asia Pacific Region

Johnson Controls Appoints Susan Hughes

In a bold move to enhance its standing in the Asia Pacific market, Johnson Controls has named Susan Hughes as the new vice president and president for the region. This leadership transition was announced on January 26, 2026, as the global leader in smart building solutions continues to aim for operational excellence and sustainable growth across key markets.

Hughes takes over from Anu Rathninde, who is set to depart the company at the end of February. In her new role, Hughes will directly report to CEO Joakim Weidemanis and will also join the executive committee of Johnson Controls. According to Weidemanis, the Asia Pacific region presents significant opportunities for growth, and Hughes's extensive experience will be crucial in capitalizing on these prospects.

“As we continue to operationalize our enterprise strategy, the Asia Pacific region represents a significant growth opportunity,” said Weidemanis. He emphasized Hughes's proven track record in leading teams and engaging customers throughout the region, which positions her well for driving success in her new role. Weidemanis also thanked Rathninde for his dedication and contributions to the company during his tenure.

Hughes boasts an impressive background with over 20 years of operating experience in various sectors, including sales, marketing, service, engineering, and manufacturing. She spent much of her career at Emerson, where she held significant leadership roles across multiple businesses in the Asia Pacific area. Most recently, she was the President of Asia Pacific for Emerson Automation Solutions, achieving consistent growth through effective commercial execution and lifecycle services.

Hughes's academic credentials include an MBA from Washington University's Olin School of Business and dual bachelor’s degrees in Mathematics and Mandarin Chinese from Grinnell College. Her fluency in English and Mandarin enhances her ability to navigate the diverse cultural landscape of the Asia Pacific region, making her an ideal leader for this expansive market.

With Hughes at the helm, Johnson Controls aims to solidify its leadership in smart, healthy, and sustainable building technologies. As the company embarks on this new chapter, it seeks to leverage Hughes’s expertise to elevate customer experiences and optimize its growth initiatives.

Johnson Controls has a rich history of innovation that spans 140 years, transforming environments through cutting-edge technologies. The company's mission revolves around reimagining building performance while fostering a healthy environment for people, places, and the planet. Through their OpenBlue digital offering, Johnson Controls continues to deliver unprecedented solutions tailored for various industries, including healthcare, education, manufacturing, and beyond.

To learn more about updates and initiatives from Johnson Controls, be sure to visit their official website at johnsoncontrols.com and follow them on social media platforms.